Intelliject, Inc. wins prestigious medication safety award

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has announced that this year's George DiDomizio Industry Award is being presented to Intelliject, Inc. for pioneering advances in drug/device combination products with the Auvi-Q™ epinephrine auto-injector (also known as Allerject™ in Canada).  Auvi-Q is the first auto-injector with audio as well as visual cues for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions.

"ISMP does a wonderful job raising awareness and educating both healthcare professionals and the public in order to reduce medication errors.  We are honored they are recognizing Auvi-Q and Intelliject," said Mark Licata, Vice President of Industrialization and Quality at Intelliject, and co-inventor of the Auvi-Q.

"With more and more healthcare delivery happening outside the direct supervision of healthcare professionals, there is increasing emphasis on the usability of drug/device combination products," continued Licata.  "This award is tangible recognition for the way we have sought to understand and address patient needs."

The George DiDomizio Industry Award is part of the 16^th annual ISMP Cheers Awards, which are presented to individuals, organizations, and companies that have set a standard of excellence for others to follow in the prevention of medication errors and adverse drug events.  Mr. Licata will accept the award on Intelliject's behalf during a ceremony on December 10 in Orlando, FL.

About Auvi-Q

Auvi-Q (epinephrine injection, USP) is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in people who are at risk for or have a history of these reactions. It is the size and shape of a credit card, the thickness of a cell phone and fits comfortably in a pocket or small purse.  

During a life-threatening allergic reaction, it talks the user through each step of the injection process. If the patient or caregiver needs more time, it repeats the step-by-step directions. Alternatively, a patient or caregiver can move at his or her own pace by following the printed instructions on the device.

Auvi-Q provides users with audible and visual cues for correct use - including a five-second injection countdown and an alert light to signal when the injection is complete. In addition to being an auto-injector, it features an automatic retractable needle mechanism to help prevent accidental needle sticks.

Available in two different dosages; the Auvi-Q 0.3mg is intended for patients who weigh 66 pounds or more, and Auvi-Q 0.15mg is intended for patients who weigh 33 – 66 pounds. Auvi-Q was not studied in patients weighing less than 33 pounds. Each Auvi-Q pack contains two products - containing one dose of epinephrine each - and a trainer that contains no needle or epinephrine.

Sanofi has exclusive commercial rights to market Auvi-Q and Allerject in US and Canada, respectively. Intelliject retains rights to the product in all other global markets.

Indication

Auvi-Q (epinephrine injection, USP) is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in people who are at risk for or have a history of these reactions.

Important Safety Information

Auvi-Q is for immediate self (or caregiver) administration and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Seek immediate medical treatment after use. Each Auvi-Q contains a single dose of epinephrine. Auvi-Q should only be injected into your outer thigh. DO NOT INJECT INTO BUTTOCK OR INTRAVENOUSLY. If you accidently inject Auvi-Q into any other part of your body, seek immediate medical treatment. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.

If you take certain medicines, you may develop serious life-threatening side effects from epinephrine. Be sure to tell your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. Side effects may be increased in patients with certain medical conditions, or who take certain medicines. These include asthma, allergies, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

The most common side effects may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness, or anxiety. These side effects go away quickly, especially if you rest.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.  Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see www.Auvi-Q.com for full prescribing information.

About Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis (pronounced ana-fuh-lax-is) is a serious allergic reaction that happens quickly and may cause death. It can occur as a result of exposure to allergens including nuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs, insect bites, latex and medication, among other allergens. Food is the most commonly-identified anaphylaxis trigger and accounts for 30 percent of all anaphylaxis fatalities.

According to the 2010 AAAAI Practice Parameters, up to six million Americans may be at risk for anaphylaxis, although the precise incidence of anaphylaxis is unknown and is likely underreported. Numerous studies indicate that the rate of anaphylaxis has increased in recent years, particularly among those under 20.

The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary from person to person and from one episode to the next. Some people may have hives/itching, facial or tongue swelling, which makes it difficult to breath or swallow, while others may experience nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may begin within seconds, minutes or hours after exposure to the allergen. The best prevention method of anaphylaxis is avoidance of the specific allergen(s).

When an allergic reaction occurs, epinephrine should be administered immediately and patients and caregivers should seek immediate medical attention. Patients and caregivers should always carry and know how to use an epinephrine auto-injector to treat emergency allergic reactions. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can result in death within a matter of minutes.

About Intelliject
Intelliject is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting a new generation of life-saving medical products in patients' hands. Each Intelliject product combines an established drug with an innovative delivery platform with the goal of achieving superiority, cost effectiveness and patient preference.

Intelliject applies rigorous selection criteria to identify areas where its patient-centric approach and proprietary technology will offer superior solutions. The company only proceeds to an active development program once it has established that incremental clinical and economic benefit is achievable.

Intelliject is a privately-held company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

For online information please visit www.intelliject.com.

Intelliject Disclaimer
In addition to historical facts or statements of current condition, this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide Intelliject's current expectations or forecasts of future events. These may include statements regarding anticipated development of potential products; interpretation of clinical results; prospects for regulatory approval; manufacturing development and capabilities; market prospects for its products; and other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts. Some of these forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words in the statements such as "estimate," "intend," or other words and terms of similar meaning. Statements contained in this release are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Intelliject cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. These statements speak only as of the date of this release, and Intelliject undertakes no obligations to update or revise these statements, except as may be required by law.

Contact:
April Sciacchitano
757-793-4183
[email protected]

SOURCE Intelliject, Inc.